US Has ‘No Plans’ to Recognize Palestinian State, Vance Says/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Vice President JD Vance met U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and trade negotiations. Vance stated the U.S. has “no plans” to recognize a Palestinian state. The meeting underscored differing U.S.-UK approaches to Middle East peace while maintaining close diplomatic ties.
Vance-Lammy UK Meeting Quick Looks
- Key stance: Vance says U.S. will not recognize Palestinian state.
- Location: Meeting held at Chevening House, Lammy’s official countryside residence.
- Main topics: Gaza war, Russia-Ukraine conflict, trade agreements.
- UK’s position: Plans to recognize Palestinian state in September without Gaza ceasefire progress.
- U.S. position: Recognition impractical due to “lack of a functional government” in Palestinian territories.
- Trade agenda: Ongoing talks for steel and aluminum export terms under broader U.S.-UK trade deal.
- Protests: Small group of demonstrators gathered near Chevening’s entrance.
- Personal rapport: Vance and Lammy bonded over working-class upbringings and shared Christian faith.
- Upcoming travel: Vance to vacation with family in the Cotswolds after meetings.
- Cultural note: Cotswolds remain a hotspot for wealthy Americans and celebrities.
US Has ‘No Plans’ to Recognize Palestinian State, Vance Says
Deep Look
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Friday with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the historic Chevening House in Kent, England, to address pressing international issues ranging from the ongoing war in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as bilateral trade matters.
Speaking to reporters ahead of their private talks, Vance dismissed the prospect of the United States recognizing a Palestinian state in the near future. His comments followed the U.K.’s announcement that it would extend recognition to Palestine in September unless Israel commits to a Gaza ceasefire.
“I’m not sure what such recognition would even mean, given the lack of a functional government there,” Vance said. He declined to comment on whether President Donald Trump was forewarned about Israel’s reported intent to occupy Gaza City, adding, “If it was easy to bring peace to that region, it would have been done already.”
Middle East Divide
The U.S. and U.K., despite their long-standing “special relationship,” have taken differing stances on the path to resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pushed for Palestinian statehood recognition as a diplomatic lever, while Washington remains skeptical, citing the instability and governance vacuum in the Palestinian territories.
Ukraine and Russia
The meeting also took place against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic maneuvering over the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Thursday that he hopes to meet President Trump next week — a day before Trump’s deadline for Moscow to demonstrate progress toward ending the war. While Trump has leaned toward bilateral talks with Putin, U.K. leadership insists that Ukraine must be directly involved in any peace negotiations.
Trade Talks Continue
Economic matters also featured prominently on the agenda. Britain is seeking favorable steel and aluminum export terms as part of a broader trade agreement announced in June. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen U.S.-UK economic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics.
A Historic Setting
Chevening House, nearly 400 years old and surrounded by 3,000 acres of gardens and parkland, provided a picturesque backdrop for the discussions. About two dozen protesters gathered near the property’s entrance, some wearing keffiyeh scarves and others displaying satirical signs targeting Vance.
Personal Rapport Across Politics
Despite being on opposite ends of the political spectrum — Lammy is a Labour Party member, Vance a Republican and Trump ally — the two leaders share a personal bond. Lammy has described Vance as a friend, citing their similar upbringings in struggling working-class households and shared Christian faith.
Their rapport has been reinforced through personal interactions: Lammy attended a Catholic Mass at Vance’s Washington home earlier this year, and the pair met again at the U.S. Embassy in Rome during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in May.
From Diplomacy to the Cotswolds
Following a few days at Chevening, Vance and his family will head to the Cotswolds, a region celebrated for its storybook villages, honey-colored stone cottages, and rolling countryside. The visit will blend official duties — including cultural tours, museum visits, and meetings with U.S. troops — with private vacation time.
The area has become a magnet for wealthy Americans and celebrities. Just two weeks ago, the wedding of Eve Jobs, daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, to Olympic equestrian Harry Charles drew high-profile guests to the region. According to British media, the Vances will stay in Charlbury, a fashionable village about 12 miles west of Oxford.
“It’s the super-hot, super-social Cotswolds,” said socialite and journalist Plum Sykes. “Americans just cannot get over the charm. Then power and money attract power and money.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.